The 97th Academy Awards took place on the evening of March 3, 2025, showcasing the best of the film industry at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Amidst challenges such as wildfires impacting the region, the ceremony unfolded as a celebration of cinematic achievement, with Sean Baker's film Anora taking center stage by winning five Oscars, including Best Picture.
This year’s Oscars held significant weight as they recognized films tackling deep and impacting societal themes. Anora, which tells the story of a stripper who gets caught up with the son of a Russian oligarch, was celebrated not only for its engaging narrative but also for its poignant reflection on the lives of sex workers. Director Sean Baker, who has earned acclaim for his artistic vision, expressed gratitude for the recognition of the film. Anora also claimed the awards for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay, which consolidates Baker’s status as a potent voice within contemporary cinema.
Winning the coveted Best Actor award was Adrien Brody for his role in The Brutalist, where he portrays a Jewish architect seeking redemption after the Holocaust. With his second Oscar, Brody’s acceptance speech was poignant as he addressed pressing societal issues: “I am again here to represent the surviving traumas of war, systematic oppression, antisemitism, racism, and exclusion,” he said. His comments served as both a personal reflection and broader commentary on contemporary injustices.
Best Actress went to Mikey Madison for her powerful portrayal of the titular character in Anora. Madison expressed her emotional connection to the role and dedicated her win to her grandmother, reflecting on her family’s immigrant roots and the importance of representation, particularly for women of color in Hollywood.
The ceremony also highlighted remarkable performances from the supporting cast. Zoë Saldaña won Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Emilia Pérez, showcasing her range as she portrayed a role rich with cultural depth. Saldaña shared her joy on stage, remembering her immigrant mother and the challenges they overcame together, stating, “This is for my grandmother and all the strong women before me.” Meanwhile, Kieran Culkin received the award for Best Supporting Actor for his compelling role in A Real Pain, marking yet another highlight of the evening.
One of the notable moments of the night occurred during Baker’s speech when he emphasized the film industry’s responsibility to reflect social issues. “Art is the weapon of our times, and we must continue to tell stories of those who are often overlooked,” he urged, echoing sentiments shared throughout the evening.
Among other major winners, the international film award was claimed by the Brazilian entry I'm Still Here, marking the country's first Oscar win after several nominations. The film, which deals with the military dictatorship's impact on everyday lives, was celebrated for its authentic storytelling.
Documentary honors went to No Other Land, which focuses on the Palestinian perspective of the West Bank conflict. Filmmaker Basel Adra used his platform during the acceptance speech to address the urgency of their narrative, reminding the audience, “No Other Land reflects the harsh reality we endure, and we hope to inspire serious actions to end injustices.”
Another highlight, the animated film category, saw Flow take home the award. This marked the first Oscar for Latvia, illustrating the increasing globalization of cinematic excellence.
Yet the evening also had its moments of levity and nostalgia. Host Conan O'Brien opened the show with humor, reflecting on Hollywood’s current climate and referencing the challenging times faced by the industry. A special tribute was made to the late Gene Hackman, with Morgan Freeman recalling his contributions and impact.
The red carpet was graced by celebrities donning stunning outfits, including Selena Gomez, whose figure-hugging beige gown turned heads. Following the ceremony, broadcasts of the Oscars were available on platforms like Disney+ and Joyn, allowing fans worldwide to catch up on the glamour and excitement of the event.
Despite the fraught backdrop of wildfires impacting Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, the Academy Awards managed to highlight resilience through art. Numerous films this year have taken risks, bringing forth genuine narratives and performances. The competition was fierce, as indicated by the nominees across categories where films like Emilia Pérez and Konklave showcased strong storylines yet fell short at the podium.
Overall, the 97th Academy Awards reflected not just the glitz and glamour associated with Hollywood but also its ever-evolving nature and responsiveness to the world’s challenges. Many viewers left with not only memories of the iconic winners but also lessons about perseverance, diversity, and the art of storytelling. With such notable films rewarded, the hope is for continued growth and focus on impactful narratives within the industry.
For those who missed the Oscars ceremony, highlights and replays are being shared extensively on television networks and streaming platforms, ensuring these significant cinematic moments reach audiences everywhere.